What Horst Engineering & Manufacturing Co. does

Horst Engineering & Manufacturing Co. is a privately held, third-generation family-owned precision contract manufacturer founded in 1946 and headquartered in East Hartford, Connecticut. The company manufactures mission-critical machined components — fasteners, pins, fittings, sleeves, bushings, washers, valve bodies, and custom parts — primarily for aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers serving commercial aviation, defense rotorcraft, and government programs. Its core technology stack centers on Swiss screw machining, CNC turning and milling, thread rolling, centerless and cylindrical grinding, and honing, with tolerances to 0.0002 inch in turning and 0.00005 inch in grinding, and complementary 3D printing capability brought in via the CCAT Additive Voucher Program. Material expertise spans titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, aluminum, and high-performance polymers (Vespel, PEEK, Torlon).

The business operates a B2B contract-manufacturing model with quote-based pricing tied to part complexity, materials, tolerances, and volumes, executed through long-term agreements with named primes including GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, Bell, Kaman Aerospace, Boeing, Collins Aerospace, SpaceX, and the U.S. Department of Defense. The company holds AS9100D and ISO9001:2015 certifications (ANAB-accredited through October 2027), DoD QSLM approval for threaded fasteners, DDTC export registration, and JCP clearance, with full NIST traceability under ISO10012:2003 / MIL-STD-45662. Ancillary revenue comes from value-added thread rolling and grinding services on customer-supplied blanks and a small direct-to-consumer e-commerce line — Cross Spikes cycling traction systems (seven U.S. design patents, international distribution) and the HORST Dreidel — sold through shop.horstengineering.com and dealers in Canada, the UK, Europe, Japan, and Australia.

Name

Horst Engineering & Manufacturing Co.

Legal name

Horst Engineering & Manufacturing Co.

Website

https://horstengineering.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Horst Engineering is a third-generation, family-owned precision contract manufacturer in East Hartford, CT, producing AS9100D-certified machined fasteners, pins, fittings, and components for aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers including Pratt & Whitney, GE Aviation, Boeing, and the U.S. DoD.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace Precision Machined Components

NAICS

Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Precision Turned Product Manufacturing (332721), Turned Product and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing (33272), Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991)

SIC

Aircraft & Parts (3720), Screw Machine Products (3451), Bolts, Nuts, Screws, Rivets & Washers (3452), Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Products (3490)

akta.pro primary industry

Tooling, Jigs, Fixtures & Molds for Airframe/Composite Manufacturing (IMABAEAI)

Keywords

• Precision machined components
• Aerospace contract manufacturing
• Thread rolling services
• CNC Swiss machining
• Aircraft hardware fasteners

Headquarters

HQ city

East Hartford

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Aerospace Precision Component Manufacturing: Contract manufacturing of precision machined aerospace components including fasteners, pins, fittings, bushings, and custom components. Revenue generated through long-term contracts with aerospace OEMs and tier suppliers.
2. Thread Rolling Services: Value-added thread rolling, roll knurling, centerless grinding, and cylindrical grinding services performed on customer-supplied parts. Customers supply machined blanks and HORST performs finishing operations.
3. HORST Cycling Products: Direct-to-consumer sales of Cross Spikes cycling shoe traction systems and HORST Dreidel products through e-commerce storefront. Includes wholesale/dealer distribution in Canada, UK, Europe, Japan, and Australia.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Horst Engineering & Manufacturing Co. is an aerospace contract manufacturer producing precision machined components, including aircraft hardware (pins, fasteners, fittings, sleeves, bushings, washers, valve bodies) and thread rolling/finishing services, for commercial and defense aerospace OEMs and tier suppliers. It operates advanced manufacturing capabilities such as Swiss screw machining, CNC turning, milling, thread rolling, centerless and cylindrical grinding, and honing, serving over 6,000 active unique part numbers for airframe, propulsion, and component sub-systems. The company also sells a consumer sub-brand, HORST Cycling (Cross Spikes traction systems and the HORST Dreidel), through its own online shop and international dealers.

Product overview

HORST Engineering is a family-owned aerospace contract manufacturer offering a unified portfolio of precision machining services and consumer products. Its core business encompasses Aircraft Hardware Components and High Technology Industries Components, both manufactured using Advanced Manufacturing Services (Swiss screw machining, turning, milling, grinding, honing, assembly). Value-added services include Thread Rolling & Grinding Services with extensive thread and knurling capabilities. The company operates HORST Cycling as a consumer sub-brand, producing Cross Spikes™ cycling traction systems (with international patents) and the HORST Dreidel, sold through its online shop and supported by Team HORST Sports sponsorship. Supporting offerings include employee benefits programs, an in-house Swiss Level 1 Apprentice Program, downloadable engineering reference materials, and full-service supply chain/logistics management for customers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HORST Cycling: A sub-brand focused on cycling products including Cross Spikes™ traction systems for cycling shoes, Richard Sachs collaboration products, and Team HORST Sports sponsorship. The brand leverages the company's precision machining capabilities for aerospace-quality cycling components.

Products and services

• Aircraft Hardware Components Precision machined aerospace components including pins, fasteners, fittings, sleeves, bushings, washers, valve bodies, and custom components for commercial and defense aircraft and rotorcraft, produced from aluminum, steel, titanium, high-temperature alloys, and polymers.
• Advanced Manufacturing Services Precision machining services including Swiss screw machining, CNC turning, milling, part marking (dot-peen, vibro-peen, electrolytic etch, ink, roll marking), full-service logistics, and assembly, typically for parts under 8.00 inch diameter or cube with tolerances of 0.0002 inch for turning and 0.00005 inch for grinding.
• Thread Rolling & Grinding Services Value-added thread rolling, roll knurling, centerless grinding, and cylindrical grinding services performed on customer-supplied parts. Threads produced 30-50% stronger than cut or ground threads, with approvals from AS Specifications, Pratt & Whitney, GE Aviation, Collins Aerospace, Kaman Aerospace, Bell, and SpaceX.
• High Technology Industries Components Precision machined components serving defense, naval, marine, healthcare, motorsports, power generation, and industrial sectors, including fasteners (bolts, screws, studs, tie rods), bushings, sleeves, spacers, pins, counterweights, shafts, pistons, and valves, machined from titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, aluminum, and polymers such as Vespel, PEEK, and Torlon.
• HORST Cycling / Cross Spikes Consumer cycling traction systems for cyclocross, mountain biking, and adventure riding shoes, made from stainless steel or titanium with high-strength rolled threads. Offered in Short, Medium, Long, Ice & Snow, Mini Standard, and Mini Ice & Snow variants plus Kits and Pro Kits, with international patents.
• HORST Dreidel Aerospace-quality precision-machined titanium, stainless steel, or aluminum dreidel (Hanukkah spinning top) with 3D-printed custom case, manufactured using the same processes as commercial and defense aircraft components, sold through shop.horstengineering.com.
• HORST Online Shop Direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform for HORST Cycling products including Cross Spikes in various sizes, the HORST Dreidel, the HORST Dreidel Stand, and the Richard Sachs Seat Lug Survival Kit, serving customers worldwide with international dealer networks.

Quantifiable outcome

• Threads 30-50% stronger than cut or ground threads
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Partnership with CCAT has helped advance HORST's technology capabilities, including bringing in 3D printers through the Additive Voucher Program. HORST participates in CCAT-hosted events like Manufacturers Connect and has been featured in CCAT spotlights.
• 1% for the PlanetcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022HORST has been a member for 19 years, contributing 1% of service work sales to certified environmental nonprofits. Over $100,000 donated to conservation, sustainability, and outdoor access organizations including Appalachian Mountain Club, Connecticut Forest & Park Association, and 28 other environmental nonprofits.
• University of Connecticut (UConn)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Sponsors UConn MEM (Management for Engineering and Manufacturing) Senior Design Program for 3 consecutive years (2022-2026). Students work on continuous improvement projects including the Autonomous Part Tray Washing System. Provides access to student engineers who may become future employees.
• Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program (CCAP)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018Title sponsor of Team HORST Junior Squad since 2018 as part of CCAP, supporting children ages 8-18 in healthy living and cycling.
• Richard SachsminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerCollaboration with renowned bicycle frame builder on Richard Sachs Seat Lug Survival Kit product. Longtime friendship and past sponsor of Team HORST Sports.
• Connecticut Aerospace & Defense Conference (CADC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerParticipates in Connecticut Aerospace & Defense Conference bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, and policymakers for B2B networking with 500+ businesses and 1,000+ vetted professionals.
• Aerospace Components Manufacturers (ACM)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerParticipates in Aerospace Alley Trade Show hosted by ACM, one of the Northeast's premier aerospace trade shows with 100+ suppliers and Future Workforce Opportunities Fair.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Senior plc: Senior plc is a UK-listed international aerospace and defense engineering group operating precision machining and fluid conveyance businesses. Comparable on precision aerospace component manufacturing and tier-1 OEM customer base, though materially larger and more diversified.

Direct peers

• Cox Manufacturing: Cox Manufacturing is a privately held aerospace contract manufacturer specializing in Swiss screw machining and CNC turning/milling of precision components from exotic alloys, with AS9100 certification and a similar East Coast/US footprint. Highly comparable on process mix, tolerances, and customer profile.
• Bal Seal Engineering: Bal Seal Engineering manufactures precision engineered components (springs, seals, canted coil springs) for aerospace, medical, and industrial markets with deep AS9100 / ISO 9001 compliance. Comparable precision-component manufacturer selling into similar aerospace/defense OEMs.
• RGM Products: RGM Products is a precision aerospace machining shop serving Tier 1 OEMs with CNC milling, turning, and grinding of exotic-alloy components. Comparable on customer profile, tolerances, and exotic alloy expertise.
• Able Engineering & Component Services: Able Engineering is a precision aerospace machining and assembly provider serving major OEMs with AS9100 quality systems and capabilities in exotic alloys. Comparable in scale, customer mix (Boeing/Spirit tier suppliers), and precision component focus.
• Micro Precision Components: Micro Precision Components is an AS9100-certified precision screw machine shop producing tight-tolerance components in stainless, titanium, and exotic alloys for aerospace and defense OEMs. Directly comparable on Swiss screw machining, materials, and aerospace OEM customer base.

Broad incumbents

• Triumph Group: Triumph Group is a publicly traded tier-1 aerospace systems and precision components manufacturer serving Boeing, Lockheed, and the major engine OEMs at much larger scale. Comparable product categories (precision machined aerospace components) but operates as a broad incumbent portfolio company rather than a niche contract shop.
• Magellan Aerospace: Magellan Aerospace is a global tier-1 aerospace manufacturer producing aero-structures, engine components, and precision machined parts for commercial and defense markets. Comparable in end-markets (aerospace OEMs) and component types but operates at materially larger scale and broader scope.
• Moog Inc. Moog is a publicly traded precision motion control and components designer/manufacturer with significant aerospace and defense exposure across commercial and military platforms. Comparable on high-precision aerospace component manufacturing but much larger and more diversified across control systems.
• Heroux-Devtek: Heroux-Devtek is a Canadian tier-1 aerospace manufacturer specializing in landing gear, actuation systems, and precision components for commercial and defense markets. Comparable on precision aerospace manufacturing for major OEMs, though operates at larger scale and broader scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/horstengineering
• Instagraminstagram.com/horsteng
• Xx.com/horsteng
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/horst-engineering

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Horst Engineering & Manufacturing Co.